Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky typing experience with added RGB illumination through its light diffuser. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear boasts a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, complemented by its transparent polycarbonate and UHMWPE housing for customizable RGB lighting. While the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky feel, the WS Aurora Clear is known for its buttery smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, they differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Lightning Silver V3 has a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear features UHWMPE. The UHWMPE material offers a bright sound signature and resonant clacks during typing.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Lightning Silver V3 and the WS Aurora Clear results in a similar sound profile – sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to the clear and resonant sound experienced with both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, ensuring a visually appealing experience. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the two switches sets them apart in terms of sound quality. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing and the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing each bring distinct qualities to the typing experience.
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, the emphasis on housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a consistent sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material can alter the typing feel and sound. The Lightning Silver V3's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings may create a more cohesive typing experience, whereas the WS Aurora Clear's combination of polycarbonate and UHWMPE offers a unique blend of sound characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, while those seeking a heavier push feel may opt for the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, creating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when used. While both switches provide a unique sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 leans more towards a clacky feel, while the WS Aurora Clear aims for a more buttery and polished sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also depend on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky typing experience, offering exceptionally smooth key presses with minimal resistance. Conversely, the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a buttery and mild typing sensation, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke with a polished finish. Both switches aim to prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on a silkier feel and the WS Aurora Clear aiming for a more gently approachable and polished feel. Users can expect a comfortable typing experience with either switch, depending on their preference for smoothness and resistance in their key presses.
Overall, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear provides a high-pitched and buttery sound with a mild and polished feel. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and typing sensation, but users can expect a satisfying and smooth typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider the key differences in bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and prioritize a high-pitched, buttery sound with a polished typing feel, the WS Aurora Clear could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and RGB lighting customization.